One of the reasons for having a booth at the Desert Empire Fair
and Maturango Junction was to find out what questions people would
ask about the theory of evolution. We were surprised that the
most frequently asked question was,

"Why does it matter?"

Several people wondered what difference it makes if evolution
is true or false. There isn't just one answer to this question
because it matters to different people for different reasons.
So, here are several answers to that one question.

It matters to geologists. The science of geology attempts
to answer practical questions about mineral resources, earthquakes,
floods, landslides, and climatic changes. Geologists need accurate
information about past geologic processes in order to suggest
intelligent courses of action in the present and the future. Much
of what is currently believed about the age of rocks and how they
were formed is based upon the theory of evolution. If evolution
is false, then many important geologic theories need to be reexamined.

It matters to astronomers. Similarly, much of what astronomers
believe about the size, age, and distance of stars depends upon
the truth of the theory of evolution. If evolution is wrong, then
many astronomical theories are incorrect.

It matters to biologists. Considerable effort has been
spent by biologists attempting to prove that a living cell can
form spontaneously from a chemical soup and that random mutations
coupled with survival of the fittest can produce new species.
When the theory of evolution is finally rejected, then biologists
can abandon these foolish studies and do more fruitful research.

It matters to racists. The complete title of Darwin's classic
work is, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural
Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle
for Life". Darwin's book has been used to justify the
racist practices of the 19th and 20th centuries.
If the theory of evolution is not true, then there is no scientific
justification for the belief that some people are more ape-like
and therefore inferior to the more highly evolved people.

It matters to Christians. If the theory of evolution is
true, then death is a natural process that is not the result of
Adam's sin. Therefore Jesus' death on the cross could not pay
the penalty for sin or redeem anyone from eternal death.

It matters to business people. If survival of the fittest
is a natural law that is responsible for the advancement of the
animal kingdom, then a similar process is the natural means for
advancing commerce and industry. Laws that make ruthless business
practices illegal, and policies that protect weaker businesses,
should be repealed to allow the strongest businesses to advance
naturally without artificial restrictions.

It matters to selfish people. If, as evolutionist Richard
Dawkins has suggested, the "selfish gene" is necessary
for survival, then selfishness is a virtue that should be encouraged.
Children should be taught how to be more selfish so they can live
more successful lives.

Since so many human beliefs, decisions, and actions are directly
or indirectly affected by the theory of evolution, it is important
to determine if the theory is true or not.